I think the Early Access moniker will give SV some breathing space if they were to launch in March this year. People in general will likely be aware that Early Access means unfinished but if they at least have the basics in place, most will likely look the other way and give the game the benefit of the doubt.The game is not ready for Early Access. What March are you talking about. What will new players do in the game (there is no PVE in the game)? For early access, all the basic mechanics of the game must be added to the game, as well as a variety of mobs and at least a modified AI of mobs (and not what we have now). With the fact that we now have to release the game, it is impossible, otherwise we will receive anti-advertising of the product and bad reviews in the incentive and, as a result, a small number of players in the project. If I am wrong, correct me.
But I wouldn't get complacent just because of the wide acceptance of Early Access today if I was SV. Back in the day (80's or 90's), game development companies that did this would go under, their game lampooned into oblivion, and may even face potential class-action lawsuits.